THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NY & NJ

Press Release Article

NEARLY 1,000 COMPETITORS TO TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE –
RUNNING THROUGH THE LINCOLN TUNNEL ON SUNDAY, APRIL 28

Date: Apr 25, 2002Press Release Number: 52-2002

Nearly 1,000 competitors will accept the challenge of running through the Lincoln Tunnel on Sunday, April 28, in a bistate dash to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey.

The 16th Annual 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) Lincoln Tunnel Challenge, sponsored by the Port Authority Police and Coach USA, will begin at 9 a.m. on the New Jersey side of the Lincoln Tunnel. Runners will proceed through the tunnel\'s South Tube into Manhattan and return through the tunnel to the finish line in Weehawken, N.J.

The South Tube will be closed to traffic during the race, and no traffic delays are anticipated. The tunnel is cleaned and the roadway degreased the night before the run. Fresh air is pumped into the tunnel during the race, and no vehicles are allowed in the tunnel until the race is completed.

Last year, more than 600 runners participated in the event and raised $50,000 for Special Olympics New Jersey.

Participants are asked to assemble beginning at 7 a.m. in the NJ Transit bus parking lot located on Boulevard East between 19th Street and Baldwin Avenue in Weehawken. Beginning at 7 a.m., free shuttle service to and from the race will be provided at 41st Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues in Manhattan.

The registration fee on the day of the race is $15. All contestants will receive a Lincoln Tunnel Challenge T-shirt, bottled water and refreshments. All participants are eligible for gifts and prizes.

Registration forms are available at the Youth Services Office in the Port Authority Bus Terminal from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., the PATH police desk at the Journal Square Transportation Center in Jersey City, and at various running stores throughout the region. Participants are asked to bring the registration form with them on the day of the race.

For further information, competitors can call Special Olympics New Jersey at